Hydro wings, watercraft propulsion devices with additional inherent advantages

ABSTRACT

A paddle construction for watercraft applications, engineered to efficiently provide thrust and reduce form drag with other advantages inherent to the structure. The paddle has a means of actuation and a body. The body has at least one leading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between the leading and trailing edges. The body has at least one thickness that varies along the length of the chord(s) from the leading edge(s) to the trailing edge(s), and therefore has at least one maximum thickness. The maximum thickness is located closer to the leading edge(s) than the trailing edge(s). This construction provides for at least one body portion tapered from the area(s) of maximum thickness to the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag during use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/199,527 Filing DateApr. 25, 2000 Applicant—Victor Lacey Williams Title—Ship and BoatPropulsion Systems

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an improved paddle constructionfor rowing boats and many other varieties of watercraft. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to creating more efficient paddlesthan those used heretofore by reducing form drag. The paddles whichincorporate this advantage allow water to flow around the front of thepaddle without excessive resistance and have tapered rear sections.

[0004] Conventional paddles of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have beenused for thousands of years to propel various watercrafts through thewater and have remained largely unchanged in structure during this time.In addition to propelling various watercrafts through the water, it iscommon knowledge that paddles have long been used for maneuvering,reducing speed, stopping, and reversing the direction of travel ofvarious watercraft. Conventional wisdom holds that a paddle or an oarmust be a flat, thin, wide piece attached to the end of a handle orother suitable means of actuation. As the paddle is drawn through thewater in a typically arc-like path, the front of the paddle will abutthe water and resist movement of the paddle through the water. As thewatercraft can move along the top of the water more easily than thepaddle can be drawn through the water, the watercraft begins to move ina direction generally opposite the path of the paddle through the water.Additionally, it is believed the larger the surface area of the frontface of a paddle, the greater the resistance the paddle provides tomoving through the water and therefore a greater amount of thrust may betransferred to moving the watercraft. Problems, however, arise whenattempting to increase the surface area of the flat paddles of priorart.

[0005] One problem is that as the width of the front face is increased,the user of the paddle must in turn hold it out farther from the edge ofthe watercraft to accommodate the increased width thereby placing agreater strain on the user's arm and back. In other words, the wider thefront face of the paddle, the farther the handle must be held away fromthe side of the watercraft. Another problem is that if one attempts toincrease the surface area of the front of the paddle by lengthening theflattened blade portion, one quickly runs into a similar problem as theuser's arm length restricts how high the paddle can be raised towithdraw it from the water for the return stroke. In other words, if thepaddle is too long, a user will not be able to easily remove it from thewater to advance it and proceed with another thrust stroke.Additionally, if a paddle or an oar is too long, a user will have towork harder to move it through the water due to the increased lengthfrom the end of the body of the paddle to the fulcrum.

[0006] Consequently, several attempts have been made to increase theamount of thrust that can be provided by a paddle of a standard size.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,482 to Becker Jr. discloses a paddlewhich attempts to increase the thrust provided by the paddle bydisposing a pair of flanges on the peripheral edges of the flat bladeportion. The inventor indicates that the flanges help prevent the flowof water over the sides of the paddle during use thus increasing theefficiency of the paddle. A similar effort to increase the efficiency ofa paddle by increasing the amount of thrust it can provide is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,434 to Heaven. This paddle is also designed toincrease thrust by impeding the flow of water up and around the bladewhen the paddle is drawn through the water during use. The face of theblade is provided with a rippled-like surface which takes the form ofgenerally latitudinally running curled fins to direct the flow of waterdownward and inward.

[0007] As can be readily seen, it is the general view of those in theprior art that in order to increase the efficiency of a paddle one mustincrease the amount of thrust that can be provided by the paddle. It is,however, the belief of the present inventor that the true efficiency ofa paddle is essentially a function of the energy invested in a powerstroke and the thrust generated, and wherein drag and nonproductivewater turbulence account for the majority of the energy not convertedinto thrust. Thrust is the force produced by the energy applied to thepaddle, and is generated in generally the opposite direction to whichthe paddle travels through the water during a thrust stroke. In thefield of Physics, this thrust force is also known as Work. Drag, forlack of a better term, is a force or an effect generated by theinteraction and contact between the paddle and the water, as the paddlemoves through the water. The drag effect opposes and/or diminishes thethrust force by absorbing energy invested in the thrust stroke withoutproducing useful work. In other words, a portion of the energy investedin the thrust stoke of the paddles of prior art is simply wasted effort.Therefore, a perfectly efficient paddle would have very low drag, wouldnot generate nonproductive turbulence in the water and all of the energyinvested in the power stroke would be converted to thrust. Nonproductivewater turbulence will be considered an integral part of drag as itrelates to the present invention, and as such, the terms will beconsidered generally interchangeable throughout this document.

[0008] The paddles of prior art have attempted to increase theefficiency of their various paddles by increasing the thrust they canprovide yet have done nothing significant to decrease drag and wastedeffort. Therefore, there is a need for a paddle construction thatimproves the efficiency of a paddle by decreasing drag. The presentinvention overcomes the drawbacks of prior art and fills these and otherneeds.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is a general object of the present invention to provide apaddle which decreases the amount of drag present with prior artpaddles.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to increase theefficiency of a paddle by reducing drag.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the amountof drag associated with a paddle by incorporating a rear sectionengineered to facilitate a reduction in nonproductive water turbulenceas water reoccupies the area behind the body of the paddle during use.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide buoyancywhen deemed desirable for a given application, or in the event of anemergency.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to produce lift whenmoved through the water, when deemed desirable for a given application.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means ofactuation that reduces the amount of drag associated with a paddle byincorporating a means of actuation with a rear section engineered tofacilitate a reduction in nonproductive water turbulence as waterreoccupies the area behind the said means of actuation during use.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means ofactuation that can produce supplemental thrust, when deemed desirablefor a given application.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means ofactuation that can produce supplemental lift, when deemed desirable fora given application.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means ofactuation that can provide supplemental buoyancy, when deemed desirablefor a given application.

[0018] In order to overcome the above stated problems and limitations ofprior art, and to achieve the noted objects, there is provided a paddlewith a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a distance there betweencalled a chord. The thickness of the paddle varies along the length ofthe chord and has a maximum thickness that is generally located closerto the leading edge than the trailing edge. The paddle is tapered from apoint of maximum thickness to the trailing edge to reduce form drag onthe paddle during use.

[0019] One of the Hydro Wing embodiments devised by the present inventorincorporating the desired features is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 9.The paddle has an example handle portion and a paddle portion. The shapeof the paddle portion is most simply described as generally a teardropshape or snow cone shape shown in a generally horizontal orientation.While the terms, teardrop and snow cone, may connote objects that haveslightly different shapes, these terms should not be construed asdescribing specific shapes, but instead should be viewed as referring toa general shape. Therefore, these terms will be used interchangeablythroughout this document. More specifically, the paddle portion has afront section that is generally the shape of a half sphere where theleading edge is located, and a rear section that is generally the shapeof a cone. The paddle is orientated such that the apex of the cone isthe trailing edge of the paddle during a thrust stroke, and thereforethe apex points in the general direction that the craft travels.

[0020] A second Hydro Wing embodiment which incorporates the novelfeatures of the current invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. In thisembodiment, the paddle portion has a similar cross-section to theprevious embodiment, however, the paddle portion has been elongatedalong an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the examplehandle portion. In simple terms, the paddle has a front section whichresembles half of a hotdog, the hotdog having been cut along itslongitudinal axis, and a rear section which tapers from every pointalong the periphery of the front section to a line segment. Morespecifically, the front section has a central portion that is thegeneral shape of half of a cylinder, a cylinder bisected along itslongitudinal axis, and two end portions that are each the shape of aquarter sphere, with the leading edge located on the front section. Therear section also has a central portion which is comprised of twogenerally planar surfaces converging to a line segment which in simpleterms takes the general shape of a wedge, and two end portions which areeach the shape of half of a cone. The trailing edge is located on therear surface. In simple terms, this embodiment may be consideredgenerally similar in appearance to an aircraft wing.

[0021] The third Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novelfeatures of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. Thisembodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the descriptionthereof, but for a difference in the shape of the front section of thepaddle portion. In this embodiment, the front section is generally domeshaped or convex shaped as opposed to the half spherical shape of thefront section of the first embodiment. The front section of thisembodiment also provides for a flattened dome that may even have aplanar portion thereon. It is not beyond the scope of the presentinvention to allow a concave portion located on the front section aswell. The rear section of the paddle portion of this embodiment isgenerally conical and therefore similar to the rear section of the firstembodiment, and the description thereof.

[0022] A forth Hydro Wing embodiment which incorporates the novelfeatures of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. Thisembodiment has a paddle portion that takes the shape of an annular ringmember. Described simply, the front section of the paddle portion ofthis embodiment is annular and has a cross-section of a half circle. Theleading edge is located on the front surface. The rear section of thepaddle portion of this embodiment is also annular and has two convergingsurfaces that meet to form a ring. The ring is the trailing edge of thisembodiment. The leading edge and trailing edge of this embodiment are ofa similar diameter. The cross-section of the annular ring body isgenerally similar to the cross-section of the other embodiments andtherefore can be similar to a teardrop or an aircraft wing.

[0023] A fifth Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novelfeatures of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. Thisembodiment is similar to the forth in that it has an annular bodyportion of a generally similar shape and description to the forth.Unlike the forth embodiment, the leading edge and the trailing edge ofthis fifth embodiment are of different diameters. The cross-section ofthe annular ring body is generally similar to the cross-section of theother embodiments and therefore can be similar to a teardrop or anaircraft wing. FIG. 12 illustrates the case where the leading edge is ofa greater diameter than the trailing edge, resulting in a paddle bodygenerally resembling a windsock.

[0024] A sixth Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novelfeatures of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. Thisembodiment is a combination of the paddle portions of the firstembodiment, the second embodiment and the forth embodiment. The paddleportion includes an outer ring and a teardrop shaped inner portionspaced apart by smaller wing like members. This embodiment can also beconstructed with an inner body portion similar to the third embodimentand an outer ring portion similar to the fifth embodiment, or any othercombination of the embodiments of the present invention without strayingfrom the basic principles unique to the present invention.

[0025] A seventh Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novelfeatures of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14. The paddleportion of this embodiment has no curved portions, but only planarsurfaces meeting at various angles. The paddle portion has a “stealth”wing appearance. The front section of the paddle has a triangularcross-section and a rear section of the paddle also has a triangularcross-section. Staying with the basic principles unique to the presentinvention, the paddle has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and adistance there between called a chord. The thickness of the paddle bodyvaries along the length of the chord and has a maximum thickness that islocated closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge. The body ofthe paddle is tapered from the area of maximum thickness to the trailingedge.

[0026] An eighth Hydro Wing embodiment of a paddle that incorporates thenovel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and16. The paddle portion of this embodiment when viewed from the front orrear has a generally elliptical ring shape. When viewed from the top orthe bottom, is bowed or curved unlike the various shapes of the previousembodiments which are shown with a pair of points, or generally straightlines, or circular lines located within generally parallel planes, forleading and trailing edges. The sides of the elliptical ring of thepaddle portion of this embodiment are substantially flattened to presenttwo generally parallel aircraft wing like portions. These sides arejoined at the ends by segments of a similar shape. A cross-section ofthe elliptical ring's paddle portion is illustrated in FIG. 16, and isgenerally the same shape as a cross-section of a teardrop along itslongitudinal axis or similar to that of an aircraft wing. The leadingedge is located along the generally rounded front section of the paddlebody, and trailing edge is located at the apex of the convergingsurfaces of the rear section.

[0027] Further objects, features and the advantages of the presentinvention over prior art will become apparent from the detaileddescriptions of the drawings that follow, when considered with theattached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The objects and features of the present invention noted above areexplained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustratedin the attached drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denotelike elements, and in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddle of prior art;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the paddle of prior art of FIG. 1taken along the lines of 2-2;

[0031]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0032]FIG. 4 is a front view of the paddle of FIG. 3;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a side view of the paddle of FIG. 3;

[0034]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0035]FIG. 7 is a front view of the paddle of FIG. 6;

[0036]FIG. 8 is a side view of the paddle of FIG. 6;

[0037]FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the paddles of FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8;

[0038]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0039]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a forth embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0040]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0041]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a paddle ofthe present invention;

[0042]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a paddleof the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a paddleof the present invention in use; and

[0044]FIG. 16 is a cut away perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 15taken generally along the area depicted in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, the perspective view ofFIG. 1 illustrates a typical paddle of prior art like those found onmany small and medium sized watercraft. FIG. 2 is a cross-section of thepaddle of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of 2-2 while the paddle is in usein any given body of water. The direction the paddle is being movedthrough the water is indicated by the largest directional arrow. On theother side of the paddle of prior art a vortex in the water is indicatednear each edge of the paddle. Such vortexes seem to be an unavoidableform of nonproductive turbulence common to all known flat bodied paddlesof prior art.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 9, numeral 10 designates a firstembodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle. The paddle includes a simple examplehandle portion 12 and a body or a paddle portion 14. The example handleis generally elongate in nature and consequently has a correspondinglongitudinal axis 16. The handle has a proximal end portion 18 and auser engageable distal end (not shown).

[0047] The body 14 has a generally snow cone like shape. The body has alongitudinal axis 20 that is in a generally horizontal orientation. Thelongitudinal axis 20 of the body 14 is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such anarrangement with any given Hydro Wing's means of actuation is notrequired. The body 14 has a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24. Theleading edge of this embodiment is a point where the longitudinal axis20 leaves the body 14. Additionally, in this embodiment, the trailingedge 24 is a point where the longitudinal axis 20 leaves the bodygenerally opposite the leading edge.

[0048] The body 14 has a chord 26. The chord 26 is a straight linebetween the leading edge 22 and the trailing edge 24 and represents thedistance between the leading edge and the trailing edge. In the presentembodiment, the chord 26 lies on the longitudinal axis of the body 14.

[0049] The body 14 may be divided into an upper portion 28 having anupper surface 30, and a lower portion 32 having a lower surface 34, by aplane that includes the longitudinal axis 20 of the body and isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. Thebody has a generally vertical thickness 36 that represents the distancebetween the upper surface 30 and the lower surface 34 along the chord26. The thickness 36 of the body 14 varies along the length of the chord26. Consequently, the body has a maximum thickness 38. The maximumthickness 38 is located closer to the leading edge 22 than the trailingedge 24. As illustrated, the maximum thickness 38 lies on thelongitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such anarrangement with a given means of actuation is not required. There is asimilar horizontal thickness that varies in a generally similar fashionalong the chord 26 with a maximum horizontal thickness 39. The maximumhorizontal thickness as drawn lies on the longitudinal axis 16 of theexample handle 12, however, such an arrangement with a given means ofactuation is not required.

[0050] The body 14 of the paddle 10 also has a front section 40 and arear section 42. The front and rear sections are separated by a planethat includes the maximum thickness 38 and the maximum thickness 39 andis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 of the body. Everythingforward of the plane is the front section 40 and everything rearward ofthe plane is the rear section 42. The front section 40 includes a frontsurface 44 and the rear section 42 includes a rear surface 46. Theleading edge 22 is located on the front surface 44 and the trailing edge24 is located on the rear surface 46.

[0051] The shape of the body of the paddle of the first embodiment mayalso be described in terms of geometrical and geographical shapes of thefront section and rear section. The front section 40 has the generalshape of half of a sphere or a hemisphere. The rear section 42 has thegeneral shape of a cone.

[0052] Turning now to a second embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of thepresent invention, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a paddle having a simple examplehandle 12 and a body or paddle portion 48. The example handle again hasa longitudinal axis 16 and is similar to the handle of the firstembodiment and the description thereof The body 48 of the secondembodiment is also somewhat similar to the body 14 of the firstembodiment in that the body 48 has an upper portion 50 which isgenerally the same shape as the upper portion 28 of the body 14. Thebody 48 also has a lower portion 52 which is generally the same shape asthe lower portion 32 of the body 14 of the first embodiment. The maindifference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment isthat the body 48 of the second embodiment includes a middle portion 54which spaces the top portion 50 from the bottom portion 52. In otherwords, the body of the second embodiment differs from that of the firstembodiment in that the body 48 appears to have been stretched along thelongitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. Both the upper and lowerportions of the body 48 have a shape which is generally that of a halfof a teardrop, the teardrop being bisected along its longitudinal axis.

[0053] The body 48 also has a leading edge 56 and a trailing edge 58. Inthis embodiment, the leading edge 56 is a line segment on the frontsurface of the middle portion 54 of the body 48, which is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. Thetrailing edge in this embodiment is a line segment on the rear surfaceof the middle portion 54 of the body which is generally parallel to boththe leading edge 56 and the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle12. The leading edge and the trailing edge are shown in the same planeand parallel, but they are not to be limited to this configuration.

[0054] A chord 60 connects the leading edge 56 and the trailing edge 58.The body 48 has a vertical thickness 62 that varies along the length ofthe chord 60 and has a resulting maximum vertical thickness 64. The bodyalso has a horizontal thickness that varies along the chord 60 and has aresulting maximum horizontal thickness 65. The area of maximum thicknessis closer to the leading edge 56 than the trailing edge 58 and as drawnlies generally on the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12,however, such an arrangement with the given means of actuation is notrequired.

[0055] As with the first embodiment, the body of the second embodimentcan be described in terms of its geometrical shapes. The body 48therefore has a front section 66 and a rear section 68. The frontsection 66 and rear sections 68 are separated by a plane which includesthe longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle and is perpendicular tothe chord 60. The body has a front surface 70 and a rear surface 72. Thefront section 66 of the upper portion 50 and the front section 66 of thelower portion 52 each have the shape of a quarter sphere. The frontsection of the middle portion 54 has the shape of a half cylinder, acylinder that has been bisected along its longitudinal axis. The leadingedge 56 is located on the front surface 70 of the middle portion 54.

[0056] The rear section 68 of the upper portion 50 and the rear section68 of the lower portion 52 each have the shape of a half cone, a conehaving been bisected along its longitudinal axis. The rear section 68 ofthe middle portion 54 generally resembles a wedge and has a triangularcrosssection. Additionally, the rear surface 72 of the middle portion 54is represented as two planar surfaces converging to an apex. The apexforms the trailing edge 58 of the second embodiment.

[0057]FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of aHydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simpleexample handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body orpaddle portion 74. The body has a front section 76 and a rear section78. The front section 76 has a front surface 80 and the rear section 78has a rear surface 82. The front section has a leading edge 84 and therear section has a trailing edge 86. The leading edge 84 is located onthe front surface 80, and the trailing edge 86 is located on the rearsurface 82.

[0058] In simple terms, the front section of the body 74 of the thirdembodiment is generally the shape of a top bun of a hamburger bun. Inmore technical terms, the front section 76 of the body 74 is generallydome shaped or convex shaped. If the front surface is truly rounded theleading edge 84 is a point on the front surface 80. However, the frontsurface may take the shape of a flattened dome and may even include aplanar surface. In such an instance, an area of the planar surfacebecomes the leading edge 84.

[0059] The rear section 78 is generally conical in shape and can beconsidered generally identical to the rear section 42 of the firstembodiment in shape, intended function and description. Consequently,the trailing edge 86 of the third embodiment is a point at the apex ofthe conical rear section.

[0060] The body 74 has a longitudinal axis 88 which is generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. Thelongitudinal axis 88 includes the chord 90 which extends between theleading edge 84 and the trailing edge 86. The body also has a thicknessthat varies along the length of the chord. The body therefore has amaximum thickness that is closer to the leading edge than the trailingedge and as drawn lies along the longitudinal axis 16 of the examplehandle 12. The distinction between the front section 76 and the rearsection 78 is a plane which includes the longitudinal axis 16 of thehandle and is perpendicular to the chord 90, but again, the chosen meansof actuation for this embodiment is not to be limited to this locationor configuration.

[0061]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a forth embodiment of aHydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle is drawn with asimple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a bodyor paddle portion 92. The body 92 in this embodiment takes the form ofan annular ring. The body 92 has a leading edge 94 and a trailing edge96. As the body is ring shaped, the leading edge 94 and the trailingedge 96 are circles. The body 92 has a chord 98 which extends betweenthe leading and trailing edges. As the leading edge 94 and the trailingedge 96 are circles, the chord that connects them takes the general formof a tube.

[0062] The ring has a thickness that varies along the length of thechord 98. Consequently, the ring has an area of maximum thickness. Thisarea of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 94 than thetrailing edge 96 and as illustrated lies in a plane which includes thelongitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, but is not to be limitedto this configuration with any given means of actuation. The ring has across-section which resembles a cross-section of a snow cone bisectedalong its longitudinal axis, but could more closely resemble thecross-section of an aircraft wing if deemed more desirable for a givenapplication.

[0063] The shape of the body 92 of the present embodiment may bedescribed in terms of its geometrical shapes. In this regard, the bodyhas a front section 100 and a rear section 102. The division between thefront section 100 and the rear section 102 is a plane that isperpendicular to the chord 98 and which includes the maximum thicknessof the body. The front section 100 has a front surface 104. In commonterms the front section and front surface have the shape of half a hulahoop, or half of a doughnut bisected from the outside circumferencethrough to the inside diameter. More specifically, the front section isa ring and has a cross-section that has the general appearance of a halfcircle. The leading edge 94 is located on the front surface 104 of thebody 92. The rear section 102 has a rear surface 106 that includes twoconverging surfaces that meet in a circular apex. A cross-section of therear section of the body 92 is generally similar to a crosssection of acone bisected along its longitudinal axis. The trailing edge 96 islocated on the rear surface 106 at the circular apex.

[0064]FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of aHydro Wing paddle of the present invention. While FIG. 11 illustrates apaddle with a ring shaped body 92 having a leading edge 94 and atrailing edge 96 with generally the same diameter, FIG. 12 illustratessuch a relationship between the leading and trailing edges is notrequired. The fifth embodiment has a simple example handle 12 with alongitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 108. The body 108 inthis embodiment is the shape of an annular member. The body has aleading edge 110 and a trailing edge 112. The body 108 has a chord 114which extends between the leading and trailing edges. As with the forthembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the leading edge 110 and the trailingedge 112 are circles. However, in this embodiment the diameter of theleading edge 110 is larger than the diameter of the trailing edge 112.Therefore, the body 108 has the general appearance of a windsock and thechord 114 that connects the leading edge and the trailing edge is thegeneral shape of a tapered tube or a frustum. While FIG. 12 illustratesa paddle where the leading edge has a larger diameter than the trailingedge, it is within the scope of the present embodiment to provide for apaddle of a generally similar embodiment where the leading edge may havea smaller diameter than that of the trailing edge, if deemed moredesirable for a given application.

[0065] The body 108 has a thickness that varies along the length of thechord 114 and has a resulting area of maximum thickness. The area ofmaximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 110 than the trailingedge 112 and as illustrated, lies in the general proximity of thelongitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, but again, the chosenmeans of actuation is not to be limited to the location orconfiguration. The body 108 has a cross-section that resembles across-section of a teardrop bisected along its longitudinal axis, or thecross-section of an aircraft wing like shape.

[0066] The body has a front section 116 and a rear section 118. Thedivision between the front section 116 and rear section 118 is generallyperpendicular to the chord 114 and which generally includes the area ofmaximum thickness of the body 108. The front section 116 is annular, hasa front surface 120, and has a cross-section that has the generalappearance of a half circle. The leading edge 110 is located on thefront surface 120 of the body 108. The rear section 118 has a rearsurface 122 that includes two converging surfaces that meet in acircular apex. A cross-section of the rear section has the general shapeof a cross-section of a cone bisected along its longitudinal axis. Thetrailing edge 112 is located on the rear surface at the circular apex.

[0067]FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of aHydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simpleexample handle 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddleportion 124. The body 124 of this embodiment is a combination of thebody 14 of the first embodiment, the body 48 of the second embodimentand the body 92 of the forth embodiment. Consequently, the body 124 hasan outer annular portion 126 and an inner teardrop shaped portion 128.The inner teardrop shaped portion 128 is encompassed by the outerannular portion 126 and is generally located centrally therein. Theinner portion 128 is spaced apart from the outer portion 126 by aplurality of wing-like or rod-like spacer members 130, though as few asone such member may be used if deemed adequate for a given application.

[0068] As with the other embodiments, the body has a leading edge 132and a trailing edge 134. In this embodiment, portions of the leadingedge may be found on the outer annular portion 126, the inner portion128 and the rod-like spacer members 130. Similarly, portions of thetrailing edge 134 may also be found on the annular portion 126, theinner portion 128 and the rod like members 130. It is to be understoodthat any of the described body portions may be positioned somewhatfurther forward, even with, or somewhat behind any other body portion.Also, the dimensions of any given body portion may be larger or smallerthan the dimensions of the other portion(s) of a paddle of the presentembodiment.

[0069] The annular portion 126, the inner portion 128 and the rod-likespacer members 130 all form parts of the body 124. Each of the said bodyparts has a chord which extends between the leading edge and thetrailing edge of each body part. Additionally, as already discussed indetail in the descriptions of the first, second and forth embodiments,each part has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord.Each part of the body has a resulting area of maximum thickness. Thearea of maximum thickness of each body part is generally located closerto its leading edge than its trailing edge.

[0070] The portion of the leading edge 132 on the outer annular portion126 is a circle located on a front surface 136 of a front section 138 ofthe annular portion. A portion of the trailing edge 134 is located on arear surface 140 at the circular apex of the rear section 142 of theannular portion 126. A portion of the leading edge 132 on the innerportion 128 is located on a front surface 144 of a front section 146 ofthe inner portion 128. A portion of the trailing edge 134 is located ona rear surface 148 of the rear section 150 of the inner portion 128. Aportion of the leading edge 132 on the spacer members 130 is located onthe front surface 152 of a front section 154 of the spacer members, anda portion of the trailing edge 134 is located on a rear surface 156 of arear section 158 of the spacer members.

[0071] The geometrical shapes associated with the inner teardrop shapedportion 128, the wing like spacer portions 130, and the outer annularportion 126 have been previously discussed in detail in connection withthe discussions of the first embodiment, second embodiment and the forthembodiment. It should be noted, however, that the body 74 of the thirdembodiment could be substituted for the inner teardrop shaped portion128 of the present embodiment. By the same logic, other embodiments orfeatures of other embodiments of the present invention could besubstituted for the various illustrated portions of the sixth embodimentwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The wing like spacer members 130, generally resemble the secondembodiment of the present invention which has previously been discussedin detail. It should be understood that the smaller these members are,the less they will be able to generate any significant thrust, and/orlift, and/or provide substantial buoyancy. Following this logic, thesmaller they are, the less they would produce any significant dragand/or nonproductive turbulence. In this regard, small spacer memberscould have a round cross-section and have minimal impact on theperceived efficiency of the paddle.

[0073]FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment ofa Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simpleexample handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body portion160. The flat surfaces give the body 160 the appearance of a stealthwing. The body as drawn has only flat surfaces, but is not to be limitedto a completely flat surfaced configuration, it may make use of acombination of surface configurations, like each of the otherembodiments of the present invention. Following the basic principles ofthe present invention, the body has a leading edge 162, a trailing edge164, and a chord 166 that extends between the leading edge and thetrailing edge.

[0074] The body 160 has a thickness that varies along the length of thechord 166, therefore, the body has an area of maximum thickness. Thearea of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 162 than thetrailing edge 164. Unlike the previous illustrations, FIG. 14illustrates a construction where the example handle is not attached tothe body portion 160 in such a location that the area of maximumthickness lies on the longitudinal axis 16 of the handle 12. Instead,FIG. 14 illustrates the handle being attached to the body rearward ofthe area of maximum thickness. It should be noted that the examplehandle or other chosen means of actuation could be attached to the body160 at the area of maximum thickness or even further forward. The sameholds true for any of the other embodiments of the present invention andthe chosen means of actuation.

[0075] The body 160 has a front section 168 and a rear section 170. Thedivision between the front section 168 and the rear section 170 is aplane that is perpendicular to the chord 166 and which includes themaximum thickness of the body 160.

[0076] The front section 168 has a front surface 172 which is primarilycomprised of two planar surfaces that diverge from a linear apex. Theapex includes the leading edge 162. The rear section 170 has a rearsurface 174 which is comprised of two converging planar surfaces thatmeet in an apex. The apex of the rear surface 174 includes the trailingedge 164.

[0077]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate perspective views of an eighthembodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The body orpaddle has a simple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis16 and a body or paddle portion 176. In this embodiment, the body 176has the general shape of an elliptical ring. As drawn the ellipticalring is flattened such that the two elongate sides of the ellipticalring are generally parallel to each other and thereby present twogenerally parallel aircraft wing like shapes, but this embodiment is notto be limited to parallel configurations.

[0078] The elliptical body includes a leading edge 178 and a trailingedge 180. As can be seen in FIG. 16, a cross-section of the body 176shows a chord 182 connecting the leading edge 178 and the trailing edge180. The cross-section is generally similar to that of a teardropbisected along its longitudinal axis or of that of an aircraft wing likeshape and illustrates that the body has a thickness that varies alongthe length of the chord 182 from the leading edge to the trailing edge.The body also has a maximum thickness 184 that is closer to the leadingedge than the trailing edge.

[0079] The body 176 has a front surface 186 and a rear surface 188. Theleading edge 178 is found on the front surface 186 and the trailing edge180 is found on the rear surface 188. As the elliptical ring is drawn,it is generally symmetrical, the leading edge 178 and the trailing edge180 have generally the same shape, and are generally the same size, butthe present embodiment is not to be limited to this configuration. Thefront surface 186 and the rear surface 188 join at an area of maximumthickness 184. The front surface 186 has a generally half-circularcross-section and the rear surface 188 has a cross-section generallysimilar to that of a cone bisected along its longitudinal axis.

[0080]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the paddle of the eighth embodimentbeing used as an oar and would be traveling through a generallyhorizontal arc as a result. It should be noted that all of theembodiments may be used in a generally horizontal fashion, or agenerally vertical fashion or through any range of motion there between.

[0081] It is to be understood that the work that can be produced by theuse of a paddle or paddles of the present embodiment is generallyenhanced by the illustrated arrangement of the two elongate sides of theelliptical ring as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This also holds true forsimilar elongate Hydro Wing paddle members where the chord associatedwith one side member is not parallel to the chord of the other sidemember. Any such cooperative arrangement of Hydro Wing paddle members isgenerally capable of producing more work than identical individualmembers would tend to produce when disassociated from one another, orwhen in conflict with one another. To state this principle of thecurrent invention in other terms, the productivity of a coordinatedplacement of a given number of Hydro Wing members will generally exceedthe productivity of a like number of identical Hydro Wing members thatare not working in a cooperative fashion.

[0082] It is to be understood that it is within the scope of the presentinvention to provide for a paddle with two Hydro Wing portions arrangedin a generally cooperative fashion that are not connected or joined atone or both ends and therefore do not form an elliptical ring. These twoportions may be parallel or not, their chords may be parallel or not,and can be positioned and/or actuated in any way to better suit a givenapplication. By the same logic, the present invention provides for apaddle comprised of more than two Hydro Wing portions arranged in agenerally cooperative fashion, being generally parallel or not, theirchords being generally parallel or not, and positioned and/or actuatedin any way to better suit a given application.

[0083] While all of the embodiments of the current invention areillustrated as being generally symmetrical, it is to be understood thatthe various body or paddle portions need not be symmetrical. Thephysical dimensions, surface configurations, chord lengths and themaximum thickness of the paddle portions may change or varysubstantially from one area of the paddle to another without departingfrom the basic principles unique to the present invention.

[0084] It is to be understood that all of the embodiments of the presentinvention may be moved through the water with the trailing edge(s) ofthe paddle positioned or otherwise turned to either side, and/or at anyangle up or down to produce work in a direction not directly in linewith the direction the craft is traveling. Such manipulation of thepaddle(s) may be required to produce or enhance lift, and can also beused to enhance thrust, or to turn or maneuver the watercraft.

[0085] It is to be understood that the simple example handle 12 is notto be considered the only means of actuation for any of the paddles ofthe present invention. It is not beyond the scope of this invention toprovide a handle or other means of actuation that is ergonomicallyengineered to maximize user comfort and/or efficiency for a givenapplication.

[0086] While the handle for any Hydro Wing paddle may have a roundcross-section as illustrated by the example handle 12, the paddle maybenefit from a handle that has a cross-section generally similar to thelongitudinal cross-section of the body of any of the Hydro Wingembodiments, if deemed desirable for a handle of a given application.The portion of such a handle that may be under water during a thruststroke can provide supplemental buoyancy and can be used to producesupplemental thrust and/or lift while reducing the amount of drag thehandle normally presents. The leading edge of such a handle wouldtypically blend into the leading edge of the body. Similarly, thetrailing edge of such a handle would typically blend into the trailingedge of the body. A substantial amount of stress is exerted on thetypical paddle handle during use and as a result it can break under anunusually heavy load. In addition to making a handle more productive byincorporating a Hydro Wing like cross-section as described above, such across-sectional shape would generally tend to make the handle stronger.Additionally, a flat-bodied paddle or oar of prior art could alsobenefit from the advantages provided by utilizing a handle with a HydroWing like cross-section similar to the description above. Any othersuitable means of actuation for a Hydro Wing paddle could benefitsimilarly by utilizing a cross-section similar to the description above,if deemed desirable for a given application.

[0087] Each of the embodiments as drawn includes a simple means ofactuation, the example handle portion, but again, all of the embodimentsof the present invention are not to be limited to this very elementarymeans of actuation. It is common knowledge that paddles of prior artused to propel various types of watercraft have been actuated andmanipulated by means other than a simple manually operated handle. Anobvious example would be the paddle wheel powered boats where severalflat paddle members have been arranged around an axle, shaft or hubassembly. Any suitable means of actuation can be mounted or attached toa given Hydro Wing paddle, or an assembly of Hydro Wing paddles at anylocation or combination of locations deemed desirable for a givenapplication. For instance, one or more Hydro Wing paddles can be mounteddirectly on or otherwise attached to a suitable power transmission belt,which would then be the means of actuation for the paddle(s).

[0088] The paddles of the present invention can be manufactured by avariety of methods commonly know to modem industry, including but not tobe limited to, extrusion, casting, molding, shaping, carving and generalassembly and fabrication. They can be manufactured using a wide varietyof materials, including but not to be limited to, metals, plastics,rubbers, foams, organic materials, and composites of these and othersuch materials. It should be obvious that factors such as the givenwatercraft application, the chosen power source and anticipated paddlevelocity would greatly effect the required materials and constructionmethods, as well as paddle shape and overall dimensions.

[0089] It should be understood that the descriptions and drawings of theembodiments in this document should not be construed to limit theconstruction of the body of any of the paddles of the present inventionto a solid construction. The body could be a solid structure or a hollowor partially hollow member depending on the material or combination ofmaterials and the methods of manufacturing chosen to be used toconstruct the given paddle body for the benefit of a given application.

[0090] It is to be understood that textured surfaces, concave areas,channels or ridges in any surface of a paddle are within the scope ofthe present invention. Such features could be employed to aid or directthe flow of water around the paddle, to provide thrust, provide lift,further reduce non-productive turbulence, and otherwise improve theperformance of a given paddle for a given application.

[0091] It is to be understood that each embodiment of the presentinvention can be constructed to provide substantial buoyancy, if deemeddesirable for a given application. This is due to the inherent threedimensional nature of Hydro Wing paddles. In such an application, thebuoyancy provided by said paddle(s) can be used as the primary means ofkeeping the watercraft and cargo afloat, or in a supplemental capacity,and/or in the case of an emergency. In addition to these uses, HydroWing paddles can be used for stabilizing a given watercraft in roughwater, therefore reducing the probability of it capsizing. In such anapplication, the paddles of the present invention perform thisadditional novel service in much the same way as an outrigger, thesimple floating devise attached to the framework on the side of what iscommonly referred to as an outrigger canoe, or other similar watercraft.It should be obvious and apparent that the potential buoyancy providedby any given Hydro Wing paddle is a product of the choice of materialsused and the methods of construction employed to build a paddle of agiven weight, when considered with the volume of fresh or salt water itis expected to displace. Stated another way, the potential buoyancy agiven Hydro Wing can be expected to provide is approximately equal tothe weight of the water it can be expected to displace, less the mass ofthe paddle.

[0092] It is to be understood that the paddles of the present inventioncan be used for a wide variety of applications with many of the varioustypes of watercraft of prior art. Additionally, because the presentinvention possesses a unique combination of capabilities and advantagesover the paddles of prior art, the present invention could ultimately beexpected to be utilized by any number of watercraft designs unlike thoseof prior art.

[0093] It is common knowledge that paddles of prior art have been usedto propel various types of watercrafts. Additionally, they have beenused for maneuvering, reducing the rate of travel, stopping and evenreversing the direction of travel of said watercrafts. It is to beunderstood that the paddles of the present invention fill these basicneeds as well.

[0094] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is onewell adapted to attain all ends and objects herein above set forthtogether with other advantages which are obvious and are inherent to thestructure. It is to be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the present invention.

[0095] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the presentinvention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention, and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. An efficient and versatile paddleapparatus for various watercraft, comprising: a paddle including aleading edge, a trailing edge, and a chord extending between the leadingand trailing edges, the paddle including a thickness that varies alongthe chord to present an area of maximum thickness that is located closerto the leading edge than to the trailing edge, the paddle beinggenerally tapered between the area of maximum thickness and the trailingedge to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , wherein the paddle includes a generally hemispherical surfaceand wherein the leading edge is disposed on the hemispherical surface.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the paddle includes a generallyconical surface and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the conicalsurface.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddle includes agenerally conical surface and wherein the trailing edge is disposed onthe conical surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddleincludes a front surface having a generally half cylindrical portionwherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 , wherein the paddle includes a rear surface withtwo converging planar sections and wherein the trailing edge is disposedon the rear surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddleincludes a rear surface with two converging planar sections and whereinthe trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , wherein the paddle includes a front surface having a generallyhalf cylindrical central portion with two opposed quarter spherical endportions and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the paddle includes a rear surfacehaving a central portion with two converging planer sections with twoopposed half conical end portions and wherein the trailing edge isdisposed on the rear surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein thepaddle includes a rear surface having a central portion with twoconverging planer sections with two opposed half conical end portionsand wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddle includes a front surfacehaving a generally dome shaped portion and wherein the leading edge isdisposed on the front surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 , whereinthe generally dome shaped portion is partially flattened and wherein theleading edge is disposed on the generally planar area of the frontsurface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddle includes afront surface having a generally annular portion and wherein the leadingedge is disposed on the front surface.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 ,wherein the generally annular portion of the front surface has agenerally half circular cross-section.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 ,wherein the paddle includes a rear surface having a generally annularportion and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the annular portion of the rearsurface has a generally triangular cross-section.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15 , wherein the leading edge and trailing edge are generallycircular in shape and wherein they are of similar diameters.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 15 , wherein the leading edge and trailing edge aregenerally circular in shape and wherein they are of different diameters.19. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the paddle includes a frontsection having a generally triangular cross-section and wherein theleading edge is disposed on the front section.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 19 , wherein the paddle includes a rear section having a generallytriangular cross-section and wherein the trailing edge is disposed onthe rear section.
 21. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatus forvarious watercraft, comprising: a paddle including at least one leadingedge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extendingbetween the leading and trailing edges, the paddle including at leastone thickness that varies along the chord(s) to present at least onearea of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge(s)than to the trailing edge(s), the paddle being generally tapered betweenthe area(s) of maximum thickness and the trailing edge(s) to reduce formdrag on the paddle during use.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 , whereinthe paddle includes a generally teardrop shaped inner portionencompassed by an annular outer portion.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 ,wherein the generally teardrop shaped inner portion has a generallyhemispherical surface and wherein the leading edge of the generallyteardrop shaped inner portion is disposed on the generally hemisphericalsurface.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the teardrop shapedinner portion has a generally conical surface and wherein the trailingedge is disposed on the generally conical surface.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 21 , wherein the annular outer portion has a front surface with agenerally half circular cross-section and the leading edge of theannular outer portion is disposed on the front surface.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 25 , wherein the annular outer portion has a rearsection with two converging surface portions and wherein the trailingedge is disposed on the converging rear surfaces.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 21 , wherein the paddle includes an elliptical ring portion thatincludes at least one front portion having at least one front surfaceand wherein the leading edge(s) is disposed on the front surface(s), andwherein the elliptical ring portion includes at least one rear portionhaving at least one rear surface, and wherein at least one trailing edgeis disposed on the rear surface.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27 , whereina cross-section of the front surface(s) is generally half circular inshape.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27 , wherein a cross-section of therear portion(s) is generally triangular in shape.
 30. The apparatus ofclaim 27 , wherein a cross-section of the elliptical ring is generallyteardrop shaped.
 31. The apparatus of claim 27 , wherein a cross-sectionof the elliptical ring is generally aircraft wing shaped.
 32. Theapparatus of claim 27 , wherein a cross-section of the front portion ofthe elliptical ring is generally triangular.
 33. The apparatus of claim27 , wherein the elliptical ring has two generally parallel sideportions such that the paddle has two aircraft wing like portions spacedapart in a generally parallel relationship.
 34. The apparatus of claim21 , wherein the paddle includes at least two body portions such thatthe paddle has at least two body portions spaced apart in a cooperativearrangement.
 35. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the paddle includesat least two body portions such that the paddle has two aircraft winglike body portions spaced apart in a cooperative arrangement.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 21 , wherein the paddle includes at least twogenerally parallel body portions such that the paddle has at least twobody portions spaced apart in a generally parallel and cooperativearrangement.
 37. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the paddle includesat least two generally parallel body portions such that the paddle hasat least two aircraft wing like body portions spaced apart in agenerally parallel and cooperative arrangement.
 38. An efficient andversatile paddle apparatus of a buoyant nature for various watercraftapplications, comprising: a paddle including at least one leading edge,at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between theleading and trailing edges, the paddle including at least one thicknessthat varies along the chord(s) to present at least one area of maximumthickness that is located closer to the leading edge(s) than to thetrailing edge(s), the paddle being generally tapered between the area(s)of maximum thickness and the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag on thepaddle during use.
 39. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatuscapable of providing lift when moving through the water for variouswatercraft applications, comprising: a paddle including at least oneleading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chordextending between the leading and trailing edges, the paddle includingat least one thickness that varies along the chord(s) to present atleast one area of maximum thickness that is located closer to theleading edge(s) than to the trailing edge(s), the paddle being generallytapered between the area(s) of maximum thickness and the trailingedge(s) to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.
 40. A sturdy,efficient and versatile means of actuation for a watercraft paddleapparatus, comprising: a means of actuation including a leading edge, atrailing edge, and a chord extending between the leading and trailingedges, the means of actuation including a thickness that varies alongthe chord to present an area of maximum thickness that is located closerto the leading edge than to the trailing edge, the means of actuationbeing generally tapered between the area of maximum thickness and thetrailing edge to reduce form drag on the means of actuation during use.41. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means of actuation is capableof providing supplemental thrust.
 42. The apparatus of claim 46, whereinthe means of actuation is capable of providing supplemental lift. 43.The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means of actuation providessupplemental buoyancy.